old-growth

adjective

ˈōl(d)-ˈgrōth 

: of, relating to, or being a forest characterized by the presence of large old trees, numerous snags and woody debris, and a multilayered canopy and that is usually in a late stage of ecological succession

old growth noun

Examples of old-growth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The main residence is described as about 3,153 square feet, with warm, old-growth redwood millwork and a great-room feel anchored by a wood-burning fireplace and walls of windows designed to pull in daylight. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 23 Mar. 2026

The Chamberlain Trail is located in the Jackson Demonstration State Forrest, a 50,000-acre old-growth redwood wilderness area between Willits and Fort Bragg. —Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 23 Mar. 2026

Smaller, heavily-competing trees can still be harvested and sold if done in support of restoration and the forest’s return to old-growth characteristics. —Evan Mills, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026

There [are] wildflowers there, old-growth redwood trees, and oak trees. —Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for old-growth

• ingrowth
• outgrowth
• both
• doeth
• growth
• loath
• oath
• quoth
• sloth
• troth
• undergrowth

Kids Definition

old-growth

adjective

ˈōl(d)-ˈgrōth

: of, relating to, or being a forest characterized by the presence of large old trees, dead standing trees, and fallen rotting trees and that is usually in a late stage of development